All Stats Courtesy Of fantasypros.com
Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers came away with a big win, keeping their playoff hopes alive for at least another week. What has been trending upward in the last two weeks? The value of several players on offense as we reach the final week of the 2023 regular season.
- Offense -
Since Mason Rudolph took over as the team's QB1, the Steelers offense has been on fire. Rudolph himself helped engineer another 30-point output in their win over the Seattle Seahawks. Finishing the game with 274 passing yards and an 112.2 passer rating, Rudolph moved up four spots to No. 48 among quarterbacks with 31.6 fantasy points.
In Week 17, wide receiver George Pickens continued to be effective, gaining 131 yards on seven grabs. He has become one of the most popular players over the past two weeks because to his collaboration with Rudolph. He gained one rank to No. 18 with 145.5 fantasy points as a result of his performance. Diontae Johnson performed far better than he did in Week 16. With 86.8 fantasy points, he jumped up one spot to No. 47 among receivers.
A name that finally emerged was tight end Pat Freiermuth. After a quiet few weeks, Freiermuth had a good showing with 44 yards on just three receptions. Among tight ends, he sits 30th with 42.7 fantasy points.
In Week 17, Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris were a great combination on the field. As for Najee, he outperformed the Seahawks defense, scoring two touchdowns and a season-high 122 rushing yards. With 147.2 fantasy points, he jumped up three spots to No. 24 among running backs as a result of his efforts. With multiple huge runs, his partner Jaylen Warren was just as brutal on the ground. Currently with 132.4 fantasy points, he is ranked 28th.
- Defense -
The story of the game on defense was backup defensive back Eric Rowe. To say the least, Rowe has taken full advantage of his opportunity and has risen to new heights in value. With his 10-tackle performance, Rowe leaped 40 spots to No. 238 among defensive backs with 30.8 fantasy points. The only other notable defensive back performance was by rookie Joey Porter Jr., who finished with a tackle and a pass deflection. He currently stands 138th among defensive backs with 78.3 fantasy points.
Certain linebackers stood out with big-time performances, starting with veteran Myles Jack, who finished with eight tackles. For his efforts, Jack moved up 16 spots with 24.6 fantasy points. Rookie Nick Herbig only played a few snaps, but he only needed to make an impact. His strip-sack and recovery were pivotal moments in their win. For his effort, Herbig moved up to No. 101 with 64.5 fantasy points.
As for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Week 17 was not particularly prosperous for either one of them. Highsmith moved down six spots to No. 56 with 141.3 fantasy points, while Watt moved down a surprising seven spots to No. 9 among linebackers with 235.9 fantasy points.
Week 18 Steelers Fantasy Stock
- Buy -
QB Mason Rudolph
WR George Pickens
RB Najee Harris
RB Jaylen Warren
CB Joey Porter Jr.
- Sell -
DL Cam Heyward
WR Diontae Johnson
S Patrick Peterson
LB Alex Highsmith
S Minkah Fitzpatrick